By Tania Martin
SMASHING cars took on a whole new meaning for Emerald’s road crash rescue team at the State Road Rescue Challenge.
The team went head-to-head with some of the state’s best at the two-day challenge on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December.
Emerald put their skills to the test in a battle of the fittest.
More than six teams took up the challenge at the State Road Rescue Challenge.
Team leader Rob Tillman said the event was a valuable training experience for the team.
He said it allowed the Hills-based crew to practice new techniques on brand new cars donated by GM Holden and Ford.
More than 30 cars were crushed to resemble entrapments based on real-life crashes.
Mr Tillman said although Emerald failed to make a placing in the competition, the crew gain a lot of valuable experience and expertise.
He said the team showed how they could work under pressure.
“They also observed the very best teams at work and took part in a workshop on new model Holdens,” he said.
“They learnt how to cope with new car technology, cars are being built strong and are harder to rescue from.”
The overall winners of the weekend were Werribee CFA, Frankston SES and Gisborne SES.
Victorian SES director of operations Trevor White said the challenge was a great way for teams to improve their skills for real-life rescues.
“The challenge was a terrific opportunity for SES and CFA teams to demonstrate their proficiencies using the latest rescue gear on new model cars,” he said.
“It was also a great chance to exchange techniques, skills and experiences.”
Mr Tillman said the crew would continue to work hard on their rescue skills and hope to participate in the challenge again soon.
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